Has a trip to A&E left you in more pain than before?

There were 23.4 million attendances recorded at Accident and Emergency (A&E) in England during 2016-17 according to NHS Digital figures.

Clearly, that’s a lot of work for our hard-working, dedicated NHS staff. In general, these highly trained healthcare professionals do a commendable job, diagnosing and treating the medical problems which affect the millions of people who come through the doors of A&E departments every year.

However, mistakes are sometimes made, particularly in a demanding environment like a busy A&E department. From time to time, the standard of care provided to patients falls below the level they are entitled to expect. The health problems of patients who suffer inadequate or negligent care can become much worse, causing them additional pain and suffering. Very occasionally patients die as a result of negligent treatment.

‘Acute illnesses can be misdiagnosed, test results misinterpreted, fractures missed, or the wrong medicine administered,’ says Richard Blair, Member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel Law and Partner at WBW Solicitors. ‘Occasionally patients are wrongly assessed and sent home instead of being admitted for treatment. From time to time, surgery is performed incorrectly. Post-operative care can fall below required and acceptable standards.’

If you or a member of your family have been affected by clinical negligence – the breach of the legal duty of care owed to patients by members of the healthcare profession – you may be entitled to compensation.

If you feel you or a family member has been a victim of clinical negligence, it is imperative to obtain legal advice as soon as possible. An expert clinical negligence lawyer will be able to assess your case and help decide whether you have a valid claim.

They can assist in getting your medical condition evaluated, gather any necessary evidence, medical records and witness accounts and guide you through the claims process, negotiating an out-of-court settlement of your claim if the negligent care or mistreatment is admitted.

You can claim for the additional pain and suffering you have experienced, as well as the cost of any necessary, private treatment (including physiotherapy) and and any additional practical support you may need. Any loss of earnings you might experience as you recuperate, can be claimed, together with the cost of providing for ongoing care needs and future loss of earnings if the negligence restricts your ability to work in the long-term.